In this episode of Navigating Neva, we head across the pond for a joyful and imaginative conversation with Helen Hughes, founder of Mini Water Adventurers and creator of the Orca Swim Trainer.

Helen joins Nicole and Wes to share how she blends purposeful play with swim skill development—especially for little ones. From her unique tools and playful approach to cultural differences between swim instruction in the UK and US, Helen offers powerful insights for instructors, parents, and swim leaders alike.

🎉 Plus, Helen is a featured sponsor of the All Things Aquatics event happening September 20 in Georgia—and she’ll be hosting a special in-person training in South Florida this November.

✨ Learn more about Helen’s work: [miniwateradventurers.com]
📲 Follow her on Instagram: @orca_swimtrainer

#SwimInstructor #PurposefulPlay #LearnToSwim #EarlyChildhood #AquaticsEducation #NavigatingNeva #WaterSafety #JoyfulWaters

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

In this special episode of Navigating Neva, host Nicole Fairfield shares a deeply personal and powerful story for the first time—her own experience with a water rescue. Recorded in honor of International Water Safety Day, this episode goes beyond standard safety tips and dives into the emotional and transformative moments of a real rescue. Join Nicole as she shares what she learned, how it changed her, and why water safety is more than just a topic—it's a mission. Don’t miss this heartfelt and eye-opening episode.

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

In this week’s episode of Navigating Neva, we’re kicking off something new and exciting. Host Nicole is joined by co-host Wes and our special guest, Phil Waggott. Phil is a familiar name in the aquatics world, known for his work with Navigating Aquatics. But today, we’re exploring his next chapter with Splash Save.

🔹 Phil’s Backstory: We dive into Phil’s journey, from his early days in aquatics to his experience with Navigating Aquatics. What did he love? What did he learn? And why is he shifting gears with Splash Save?

🔹 The New Collaboration: Nicole and Wes are excited to announce that Phil will be joining Navigating Neva as a regular guest, bringing fresh insights, honest conversations, and global perspectives on water safety, swim training, and industry trends.

🔹 What’s Next: We preview upcoming episodes and topics you won’t want to miss—everything from swim culture and leadership to drowning prevention and the latest in aquatic safety.

Ready to dive in? Hit play, subscribe, and follow Navigating Neva for more episodes.

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

Episode Title: "Where There's Water, I Will Wait: Drowning Prevention for Children with Special Needs"

In this episode of Navigating Neva, Nicole and Wesley welcome special guest Dana Harvey, a seasoned swim instructor with over 37 years of experience. Dana shares her groundbreaking water safety program, "Where There's Water, I Will Wait," designed to protect children—especially those with special needs—from drowning. Using engaging characters like the "waiting whales," Dana has taught thousands of families how to build water safety habits through patience and understanding.

Listeners will discover:

How Dana's program uses waiting mats and visual cues to teach children about water safety.
The importance of water safety beyond swim lessons, especially for children on the autism spectrum.
Insights from Dana’s research across 750 schools, where she identified critical gaps in water safety education.
Practical tips for parents and educators to make water safety a consistent habit in any environment.

Join us for this eye-opening conversation about making water safety accessible, inclusive, and life-saving for all.

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

From Lifeguard to Leader: Navigating Aquatics with Elaena In this episode of Navigating Neva, Nicole and Wesley sit down with Elaena Noffsinger, an aquatic professional whose 16-year journey has taken her from lifeguard to municipal pool manager to swim school owner. Elaena shares how she built a thriving aquatic career, what it takes to retain great staff, and how burnout led her to launch Streamline Swim Academy.

We discuss strategies for building ownership within teams, how to communicate aquatic success to upper management, and why taking initiative—whether applying for a job or launching your business—can open doors you didn’t know were there.

Plus: our April giveaway winner is announced!

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

In this episode, Amanda Green, Risk & Safety Manager of Skokie Park District, joins Wesley King and Nicole Fairfield for an insightful conversation about professionalism, preparedness, and navigating the complex landscape of lifeguard training and hiring. From legal responsibilities to relationship-building, they unpack what it really takes to succeed in aquatic leadership roles today.

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

In this episode, Venetia Belk shares her inspiring journey in aquatics—from swim team to aquatic director—and dives into leadership, safety, and launching pop-up water safety events for families. A must-listen for aquatic professionals and advocates alike.

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

In this episode of Navigating Neva, Nicole and Wes sit down with veteran lifeguard Tom Ford to explore the evolution of lifeguard training, leadership on the deck, and what it really takes to raise the standard. From lost skills to modern-day challenges, this convo is a deep dive into lifeguard culture—past, present, and future.

#LifeguardTraining #GuardCulture #RaiseTheStandard #AquaticsLeadership

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!